DeSean works at media day, 'getting some checks'

By Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer

NEWARK, N.J. - DeSean Jackson's face flashed on the big screen and the crowd that came to watch the Broncos and Seahawks get interviewed during Super Bowl media day booed.

He laughed. This is New York Giants territory, and MetLife Stadium, site of the Eagles wide receiver's miracle punt return, is just up the road.

Jackson, of course, wishes he was attending media day as a participant and playing at the Meadowlands on Sunday rather than spending Tuesday and the rest of the week making paid appearances.

"You know I wish I was here playing this game," Jackson said. "Come on, what kind of question is that, bro? You know me better than that."

Jackson was at the Prudential Center working for 106 & Park, a hip-hop music video show on the BET Network. It is one of several jobs the receiver is performing during Super Bowl week.

"I'm getting some checks like y'all getting checks," Jackson joked.

Jackson's South Philadelphia home was burglarized Jan. 11 and more than $100,000 worth of cash and belongings was stolen. Several days before the burglary, and a day after the Eagles season ended, he told reporters that he thought he deserved a new contract.

Jackson received a $250,000 bonus when he went to the Pro Bowl after initially being selected as an alternate. He caught three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's all-star game. One of his catches came on a pass thrown by the game's offensive MVP, Eagles teammate Nick Foles.

"Foles did a great job," Jackson said. "That's good for him to have that success, just really get that experience."

With Foles back next season as the starting quarterback, along with many from the NFC East-winning cast, Jackson said, he could be back at the Super Bowl, this time with the Eagles.

"With a couple of additions added, I think we'll be right in the hunt," Jackson said. "I think our team is very competitive and we have a lot of great players on our team. Last year, we just have to build off that."

Lil TerRio's "Ooh Kill Em" dance has been mimicked by NFL players all season. Jackson, who had the 6-year-old performer at his birthday party in December, said that he copied the dance move during one of his touchdown celebrations.

Former NFL receiver Randy Moss came over at one point to see Lil TerRio and had Jackson snap a picture of him with the pint-sized Atlanta native. A six-pack of Eagles cheerleaders was standing nearby.

Such is the randomness of Super Bowl media day.

Jackson said that he would not attend Sunday's game but that he did have a rooting interest.

"I want to see a good game. I'm mad that I'm not playing in it. But I have some great friends - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Marshawn Lynch," Jackson said. "So hopefully they go out there and play a good game. But I want to see my boy [and former California teammate] Marshawn win it."

Jackson then dashed off to see Lynch and other players he knew. Thirty minutes later, he was dressed in another outfit, off to the next stop.